Tala (Hindu architecture)

In Hindu temple architecture, tala (Sanskrit: तल, lit. ‘level, tier or storey’) is a horizontal division or tier of the superstructure (tower) in a Hindu temple. It is an important compositional temple element, especially prominent in Dravidian architecture, and also appears in the shikhara of Nagara-style temples and the gopuram gateway towers.

Each tala typically consists of a wall zone with pilasters and decorative elements (often miniature sculptures), decreasing in size upward to create a stepped or pyramidal profile.

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